
After touring in Japan and Cuba, as well as many countries in Europe, and being broadcasted over syndicated radio to millions of listeners, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is making a stop on the 10,505 person campus of UW-Eau Claire.
At 7:30 p.m. tonight, the group will perform in Zorn Arena to kick off the Artists Series. The MSO usually costs more money than the Series can afford, special events and arts coordinator Jennifer Brockpahler said.
“(The MSO) hasn’t been here since 1998 so when they contacted us in terms of coming through town, we were really excited to bring them back,” Brockpahler said. “The Artists Series can’t usually host things this large but because they were heading in our direction, they became more affordable.”
She said there will be around 86 members present for the concert and the opportunities to see a group of this caliber and prestige for a reasonable price are usually few and far between.
“It’s an opportunity to see one of the foremost ensembles in the state . we’re just excited to have such a big orchestra and organization here,” Brockpahler said. “The average ticket price for a concert like this usually runs anywhere between $40 to $80 to $100, but our tickets only cost $4 to $5, so it’s quite a bargain.”
Junior Kim Drewiske has never seen the MSO before, but said she is excited to see something different come through Eau Claire.
Drewiske has never seen the MSO before, but took part in the promotional process of getting the word out to students.
“Just from reading reviews, they sound like an energetic group,” she said. “I think we have a great music scene in Eau Claire, but it’s good to welcome another music ensemble to our community and learn from their performance.”
The goal of the Artists Series is to bring events to campus that can both entertain and educate, she said, adding that the featured artists represent great art forms or culture people don’t otherwise know about.
“With the MSO, we’re trying to bring forward one of the great classic performance art forms in orchestra,” she said. “They’re one of the largest cultural organizations in the state.”
Continuing in the Series later this semester is Julianne Baird, a soprano who will perform music from “The Wonderful World of Benjamin Franklin.” Following Baird will be Larry Yazzie, an award winning Native American fancy dancer.
Overall, Brockpahler said she is expecting the obvious audience of band members, choirs and orchestra groups on campus, but is hoping the average student can turn an ear to something different and affordable.
“(The MSO) is something everyone can afford to attend.”